BRIGHAM CITY – As art festivals go, Art on Main in Brigham City is a growing Memorial Day tradition attracting thousands to one of Utah’s historic cities. The festival starts at 10 a.m. and goes on until 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
For the 11th year the city, known for its peaches and produce, opens its doors for artists to show their work during the Memorial Day weekend.
Chalk art is one of the creative parts of Art on Main
David Walker and his wife Donna, who organized Art on Main, said this year they have about 100 artists showing their work for sale, and for a competition.
“Memorial Day weekend, traditionally, has attracted thousands of people to our historic downtown,” Walker said. “We thought it would be something that would help our local economy.”
Walker’s own Consignology is a Main Street store that offers gently used furniture, décor, and home furnishings. Peach Days brings some 52,000 visitors and gives local merchants another opportunity at making money at this event, too.
The event attracts people to see award-winning artists and performances as they shop, eat and have a good time.
The Chalk Art Contest is a festival favorite and transforms Artisan Alley East into a vibrant street canvas that brings community engagement. They welcome artists of all skill levels and experience, working as a team or individually.
The Birds of Bear River Photography Exhibit brings both amateur and professional photographers to showcase their finest wildlife and landscape images. The exhibit celebrates the city’s longstanding connection to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and the breathtaking beauty of birds, wildlife, and landscapes.
“Last count we should have 100 artists,” he said. “This event features award-winning artists, and some 35 hand crafters to show their wares. ”We also have some great performances to bring people to the city to shop, eat and have a good time.”
The Historic Box Elder Plein Air competition is a popular competition amoung local artists.
The hand crafters include jewelry makers, wood carvers, leather works and of course the Historic Box Elder Plein Air competition.
“We have a full line-up of live music starting Friday at 5 p.m. with two concerts and all day musicians performing music from of all genres of music,” he said. “Most importantly, after three years of raising money from private donors we will unveil a Woody Wilson memorial honoring gold star families.”
The unveiling will be on Saturday at noon on the historic county courthouse lawn.
“We will have dozens of food trucks on site, and we have the Golden Spike mock train offering transportation to people,” Walker said. “This festival provides the Brigham City community with a meaningful way to celebrate Memorial Day and to launch the summer while honoring veterans and Gold Star families.”
The activities are mostly located from 100 South to 50 North, one block packed with stuff to do and see. It is in the core of downtown. The gallery will be located at 95 South Main, with many works of art on display.